Pneumologie
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic condition of unknown etiology with an life-limiting outcome. An excess of profibrotic and proinflammatory mediators as well as reactive oxygen species, resulting in progressive fixed tissue fibrosis, architectural distortion and loss of lung function making it plausible to inhibit these processes therapeutically. In this review new treatment options are discussed including substances with antiinflammatory properties which inhibit cytokines, eicosanoids or oxidants, drugs with antifibrotic efficacy as well as anticoagulative compounds. ⋯ Unfortunately most studies still failed to meet their primary end-points. Marginal trends or statistically significant differences between treatment groups were only apparent in subgroups or exploratory end-points of post-hoc analysis. Regardless of numerous trails published in recent years and per se promising new drugs, a change in current recommendations in the management of IPF is not warranted at present.
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Sleep-related breathing disorders have been associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. The respective patients are at risk during two independent periods. Besides an early period, characterised by the influence of anaesthetics, patients are at risk also during a late period, which is characterised by nocturnal desaturation and disturbances of the cardiovascular system, caused by interference with the sleep architecture, especially of the REM sleep. To assure a safe perioperative management, a close monitoring (O2 saturation and pCO2) and the option for non-invasive ventilation have to be guaranteed.